Page 67 of Trouble Walked In

“Good morning to you too.” He gestured to the second wave of flowers now being carried through the hall into the ballroom. “This is crazy. It’s like being backstage at a battle of the bands concert. Without the music, of course.”

She laughed. “Every event has a level of chaos. If you want to see the real show, wait until tomorrow. Today’s just bridal party and rehearsal.”

“Can I help?”

Her attention drifted back to the binder in her hands. “Mark could use a hand bringing the wine over, if you don’t mind. And Carrie needs help with the dishes. But then things will calm down until the happy couple arrives at three.”

“No problem.” He looked around at the entryway. The troop of college kids had emerged with empty arms from the ballroom and were on their way back out the front door, talking and laughing along the way. Their clomping footsteps echoed, making it hard to hear. “Is there somewhere a little quieter Jordy and I can talk with Jacob? He’ll be here around two. I don’t want to be in the way.”

“Lizzie?” Carrie called out from the door to the kitchen. “The butcher’s on the phone. He says they’re out of the strip, but he can cut us a break on the filet if you want it?”

“Tell him I’ll be right there,” Lizzie told her.

“You’re busy. I’ll get out of your way,” Renic said.

“No, no. It’s okay. It’s just a little hectic.” She gestured toward the back door with a vague hand. “Use the lounge. You can close the doors if you need privacy.”

“Perfect,” Renic said.

Carter stalked up to them and turned so that his back was partially to Renic. “Flowers are in. Do you want to check them?”

“No, that’s okay. I trust you. Move on to the buffet and serving areas, okay? Thanks, Carter.”

“Sure,” Carter said. He flashed an annoyed look at Renic, then shuffled off toward the support staff waiting for him.

Lizzie offered Renic a soft apologetic smile. “I have to go.”

“Go for it. I’ll find Mark.” He gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.

Her eyes flared with a hint of desire, and then she hurried off toward the kitchen.

The next few hours were filled with wine bottles, soap suds, and hostile glances from Carter. Della bopped in here and there, running errands for Lizzie, but she avoided standing still long enough for him to speak with her.

It was almost two when he ran into Jordanna by the Carriage House. “Jordy, glad I caught you. I got someone I want you to meet.”

She raised an eyebrow at him. “The last time you used those words I ended up having to hire three more people. I’m not sure I can afford another one of your someones.”

He laughed. “Come on, you’re going to love this kid. Trust me.”

“Trust is a four-letter word, my friend.” She kissed his cheek. “Whatever you said to Della yesterday definitely made a dent in the armor.”

“That’s good to hear.” He gestured toward the house. “Come with me. He should be here any minute.”

“Who?” She fell into step beside him, distracted by her near-constant stream of texts.

His own phone buzzed with two texts and a phone call,but he ignored them. “Jacob Evans. Local kid, in college at Hobart. I’m signing him today, but I want him to have someone in his corner. You’ll like him. He has a real boy-next-door with a hint of bad-boy vibe going on.”

“You know I love eye candy, but how’s the sound?”

He grinned and opened the door for her. “You’ll see.”

Jacob Evans was waiting for them in the middle of the entry. He had captured the attention of two of the college girls who were supposed to be helping Carter. The girls laughed at something Jacob said, and he winked at them.

Renic caught his attention and waved him over. Jacob sauntered toward them, as comfortable in the inn as he had been at the bar.

“Oh, my. He’s a Justin Timberlake. Look at those eyes,” Jordanna said.

“Should have seen the women in the bar.” Renic chuckled. “They’d have followed him anywhere.”

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